This is a city almost unique in China and has been recently voted the prettiest and cleanest in the whole country. Xiamen is certainly amongst the most pleasant places in China, with a fine mix of city, cultural and beach attractions. Located on the south coast in the Fujian Province, Xiamen is built on an island almost opposite Taiwan. With origins dating back 5,000 years, trade has been the lifeblood of Xiamen and the city has grown on the commerce from merchants, both Chinese and European, who used Xiamen as their “Gateway to China”.